The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga after signing a political agreement at KICC, Nairobi, on March 7, 2025. [File, Standard]
The so-called broad-based government being engineered by President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga is not a political masterstroke—it is a betrayal of the people. While it is being framed as an effort to foster national unity, the reality is that this move is about self-preservation, political patronage and entrenching a culture of elite deal-making at the expense of ordinary Kenyans.
Kenya was promised a lean, efficient government. Instead, what we are witnessing is an expansion of government offices to accommodate political allies and neutralise opposition voices. This is not leadership—it is deceit of the highest order.
Dr Ruto ascended to power on the promise of running a government that would be different. He pledged to cut unnecessary spending, reduce wastage, and channel resources towards economic relief for struggling Kenyans. His administration constantly lectured the public on the importance of financial discipline, asking Kenyans to tighten their belts.
Yet, after the Gen Z protests on June 25, 2024, which demanded accountability and real change, Ruto has chosen not to fix the governance failures that sparked the unrest. Instead, he has expanded government positions to accommodate political allies. This is a complete reversal of the pledges he made to the electorate. It exposes a dangerous pattern—one where campaign promises are mere words to win votes, not commitments to be honoured.
While ordinary Kenyans endure relentless tax hikes, high inflation, and skyrocketing costs of living, the political elite are busy creating more government positions for their convenience. The Ruto administration preaches austerity and financial discipline yet engages in political excesses that directly contradict its stated policies.
How can the government claim there is no money to lower food prices, improve healthcare, or provide job opportunities yet find funds to expand its own ranks? This is the height of hypocrisy—one that insults the intelligence of every struggling Kenyan.
The burden of this reckless expansion will fall squarely on taxpayers. Kenyans, already drowning in economic hardship, will now have to fund more salaries, allowances, and lavish perks for newly appointed government officials. Instead of streamlining service delivery, the government is increasing spending on political appointees while neglecting pressing national concerns.
This should alarm every Kenyan. The broad-based government is not being designed for efficiency or service delivery—it is a tool for political consolidation. The real beneficiaries are the politicians, not the mwananchi who still struggle to afford basic necessities.
The administration that claimed to champion the “hustler” has morphed into one of self-enrichment. Instead of focusing on solutions to pressing economic and social challenges, the leadership is consumed with power games and political deal-making. The expansion of government is not about governance—it is about securing influence, appeasing rivals, and neutralising opposition.
Furthermore, key power centres within the government remain untouched. The reluctance to make changes to key Principal Secretary positions raises serious questions: Why is former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s influence still intact? If Ruto is truly in control, why has he chosen to expand the government rather than restructure the existing one? These are signs that power struggles and unseen hands still shape government decisions behind the scenes.
This broad-based government is nothing more than a political charade. It is an attempt to hoodwink the public into believing that inclusivity is being pursued, when in reality, it is a smokescreen for elite power-sharing.
Kenya does not need more government positions—it needs a government that works.
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The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
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